Mr. Chan Kam To, an inheritor of Hong Kong's intangible cultural heritage - hand puppet Cantonese opera and the troupe leader of the "Waa Saan Traditional Puppet Cantonese Opera Troupe", passed away on the afternoon of January 31st at the age of 77. He dedicated over 60 years to promoting the inheritance of hand puppet Cantonese opera, making his passing a great loss to the local opera circles.
Mr. Chan Kam To, Photo source: Shot and shared by Mr. Choi Kai Kwong, a researcher of bamboo theatre culture in Hong Kong
In his early years, Mr. Chan once gave up a public servant position to devote himself to puppetry performances. Mastering puppet manipulation, singing, instrumental playing, scriptwriting, and composition, he gathered like-minded enthusiasts who were also passionate about puppet Cantonese opera to establish the "Waa Saan Traditional Puppet Cantonese Opera Troupe", the only remaining hand puppet Cantonese opera troupe in Hong Kong, presenting numerous captivating performances to audiences over the years.
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Mr. Chan Kam To, Photo source: Shot and shared by Mr. Choi Kai Kwong, a researcher of bamboo theatre culture in Hong Kong
Mr. Chan Kam To in his youth, Photo source: Screenshot of the cover of the book ℎ ℎ , released by Lei Yue Mun Plus
The cover of the book edited and authored by Mr. Chan Kam To
Mr. Chan Kam To introduced the culture of hand puppet Cantonese opera at a public lecture. Photo source: Shot and shared by Mr. Choi Kai Kwong, a researcher of bamboo theatre culture in Hong Kong
Mr. Chan Kam To (fifth from the left, front row) and the troupe members, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chan Kam To in his youth, Photo source: Screenshot of the cover of the book ℎ ℎ , released by Lei Yue Mun Plus
With the rapid social development and changing entertainment trends, the market of hand puppet Cantonese opera has shrunk, decreasing performance opportunities for the troupe. Nevertheless, the troupe members would still cherish each performance, dedicating themselves to providing a high-quality watching experience to the audience and upholding the inheritance of traditional culture. Up to now, most members of the troupe are over 70 years old, posing great challenges to the troupe's future development and the continuation of puppet Cantonese opera.
The cover of the book edited and authored by Mr. Chan Kam To
Mr. Chan Kam To introduced the culture of hand puppet Cantonese opera at a public lecture. Photo source: Shot and shared by Mr. Choi Kai Kwong, a researcher of bamboo theatre culture in Hong Kong
Edited and authored the book Guangdong Handheld Puppet Opera - An Abandoned Heritage of the Cantonese Artistic Family, Mr. Chan aimed to record this traditional art form, which is now on the verge of extinction. In the interview with Bastille Post at the Kam Tin Ten-Yearly Thanksgiving Festival in December last year, he said that he hoped "he could do his best to pass on this traditional art." As for his passing, it highlights the dilemma of inheriting the traditional culture in Hong Kong nowadays: "The art will exist while the artist is still alive, but it will extinct when the artist dies."
Mr. Chan Kam To (fifth from the left, front row) and the troupe members, Photo by Bastille Post
As for the details of the interview with Mr. Chan Kam To, please refer to the link: https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/5472973-bastilles-in-depth-report-sticking-to-the-dream-of-inheriting-traditional-hand-puppet-cantonese-opera-culture-in-modern-times
On Saturday (May 9), which marked the 23rd day of the third lunar month and the birthday of Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, a grand Tin Hau Festival Parade took place in Yuen Long. Setting off from downtown Yuen Long amid thunderous gongs and drums and exuberant dragon and lion dances, the grand parade made its way to the Tin Hau Temple, drawing large crowds of residents and tourists along the route.
The Tin Hau Festival Parade, Photo by Bastille Post
Held annually on the 23rd day of the third lunar month, the parade has a history of more than 60 years and is one of the largest Tin Hau birthday celebrations in Hong Kong. In 2021, it was officially inscribed on the national list of intangible cultural heritage representative projects, offering a vibrant glimpse into Hong Kong’s folk traditions.
The Tin Hau Festival Parade, Photo by Bastille Post
The parade set off from downtown Yuen Long, winding its way through Kau Yuk Road, Long Ngai Path, and Ma Tin Road before arriving at the Tin Hau Temple as the destination. Along the route, flower plaques showcased a riot of colors, while dragon and lion dancers performed with majestic energy, accompanied by the thunderous rhythm of gongs and drums. Cheers and applause followed the parade along the way, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists.
The Tin Hau Festival Parade, Photo by Bastille Post
The Tin Hau Festival Parade, Photo by Bastille Post
The Tin Hau Festival Parade, Photo by Bastille Post
The Tin Hau Festival Parade, Photo by Bastille Post
The Tin Hau Temple, Photo by Bastille Post
The Tin Hau Temple, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Leung, a Yuen Long resident, said he attends the Tin Hau Festival Parade every year, but always represents a different village. This year, he joined on behalf of his wife’s village in Sha Po. Compared to previous years, he noted that the overall atmosphere felt more lively, with more dragon dance teams and more eye-catching color schemes. "This custom is a must-have here in the New Territories," he said. In his view, through this lively parade, local residents can deepen their connection to Hong Kong's traditions and see traditional culture vividly brought to life.
Mr. Leung, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Lo and Ms. Kong, villagers from Shung Ching Village, said they were delighted to be part of the parade’s leading team. As for them, Ms. Kong was taking part for the second time, while Mr. Lu was experiencing the parade for the first time. They described the weather as "quite comfortable", adding that the pleasant temperature made the parade smoother and more enjoyable, which was a fitting sign of good fortune to celebrate the Tin Hau’s birthday. They also emphasized that the Tin Hau Festival Parade is an important part of Hong Kong’s folk culture and hoped it could be continued and further promoted in the future, so that more Hong Kong residents would have the chance to experience firsthand the warmth and heritage of the New Territories.
Mr. Lo and Ms. Kong, Photo by Bastille Post
Lukas, a tourist from Germany, said participating in the Tin Hau Festival Parade was a rare cultural experience during his first visit to Hong Kong. Although he knew little about the customs surrounding the goddess’s birthday, he was amazed and deeply impressed by the sight of sparkling golden dragons and the thunderous sound of gongs and drums. In his opinion, witnessing such a lively festival scene gave him a deeper appreciation of the vibrant folk traditions of Chinese culture.
Lukas, Photo by Bastille Post
In addition, a ceremonial stage was set up along Long Ngai Path, where Miss Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, along with other distinguished guests, watched the parade teams pass by and joined in celebrating the festive atmosphere of Tin Hau’s birthday with residents and tourists.
The ceremonial stage, Photo by Bastille Post
